Synergistic effects and mechanism of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with magnesium hydroxide in halogen-free flame retardant EVA/MH/MWNT nanocomposites

The synergistic effects and mechanism of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with magnesium hydroxide (MH) in halogen-free flame retardant EVA/MH/MWNT nanocomposites have been studied by cone calorimeter test (CCT), limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), torque test, morphological evolution experiment, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data obtained from the CCT, LOI, and TGA show that suitable amount of MWNTs has synergistic effects with MH in the EVA/MH/MWNT nanocomposites. The MWNTs can considerably decrease the heat release rates and mass loss rate by about 50-60%, prolongate the combustion time to near two times, and increase the LOI values by 5% when 2 wt% MWNTs substitute for the MH in the EVA/MH/MWNT samples. The TGA data also show that the synergistic effects of MWNTs with MH apparently increase the thermal degradation temperatures and final charred residues of the EVA/MH/MWNT samples. The experimental observations from the torque, morphological evolution tests, and SEM give positive evidences that the synergistic mechanism of MWNTs with MH can be described to: (i) the increase of melt viscosity because of network structure formation of MWNTs in the EVA/MH matrix; (ii) the enhancement of thermo-oxidation stability due to the MWNTs' mechanical strength and integrity of the charred layers in the EVA/MH/MWNT nanocomposites; (iii) the formation of compact charred layers promoted by MWNTs acted as heat barrier and thermal insulation. All the above-mentioned factors efficiently enhance thermal and flame retardant properties and protect the EVA/MH/MWNT nanocomposite materials to be burning.     

Study on the friction and wear behavior of surface‐modified carbon nanotube filled carbon fabric composites

The functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was achieved by grafting furfuryl amine (FA) onto the surfaces of MWNTs. Furthermore, the functional MWNTs were incorporated into carbon fabric composites and the tribological properties of the resulting composites were investigated systematically on a model ring‐on‐block test rig. Friction and wear tests revealed that the modified MWNTs filled carbon fabric composite has the highest wear resistance under all different sliding conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that MWNTs were successfully functionalized and the modification led to an improvement in the dispersion of MWNTs, which played an important role on the enhanced tribological properties of carbon fabric composites. It can also be found that the friction and wear behavior of MWNTs filled carbon fabric composites are closely related with the sliding conditions such as sliding speed, load, and lubrication conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Chromium Hexacyanoferrate/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composite and Its Biosensing for L‐Cysteine

This work describes the electrochemical properties of glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) modified with chromium(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) (Crhf) nanoparticles attached multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNTs). The morphological characterization of Crhf/MWNTs nanocomposites was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV‐vis spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT‐IR). The electrocatalytic activity of these nanocomposites was investigated and showed a good electrocatalytic effect for oxidation of L ‐cysteine (L ‐Cys) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 3.0). Under optimum conditions linear calibration graphs were obtained over the L ‐Cys concentration range 5.0×10^?7 to 6.0×10^?5 M with a correlation coefficient of 0.9998 and a detection limit (signal‐to‐noise ratio was 3) of 1.0×10^?8 M. The proposed method is simple and it also showed excellent sensitivity and stability. The excellent electrocatalytic ability of the modified electrode towards L ‐Cys manifests that the Crhf/MWNTs can provide a new platform for biosensors and other biology.     

Polymeric Nanocomposites of Polyurethane Block Copolymers and Functionalized Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Crosslinkers

Summary: We report on a new route to synthesize polymeric carbon nanotube‐polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites. Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized by chemical modification were incorporated as a crosslinker in prepolymer, which was prepared from a reaction of 4,4′‐methylene bis(phenylisocyanate) and poly(ε‐caprolactone)diol. The reinforcing effect of carbon nanotubes in crosslinked MWNT‐PU nanocomposites was more pronounced as compared to that in conventional MWNT‐PU nanocomposites. The optimum content of chemically modified MWNTs for crosslinking with polyurethane was determined to be approximately 4 wt.‐% in our samples, based on observation of a NCO peak in FT‐IR spectroscopy. MWNT‐crosslinked polyurethane containing 4 wt.‐% modified MWNTs showed the highest modulus and tensile strength among the composites and pure PU. The presence of functionalized MWNTs in the polymeric nanocomposite yielded enhancement in the thermal stability due to crosslinking of the MWNTs with PU.

Possible configuration for MWNT‐PU nanocomposite molecules and FT‐IR spectra of samples obtained during reaction of prepolymer with functionalized MWNTs (second step).     

Improving the dispersion and interfaces in polymer‐carbon nanotube nanocomposites by sample preparation choice

Polymer nanocomposites composed of poly(styrene‐ran‐vinyl phenol) (PSVPh) copolymers and 5 wt % multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared by three different methods, including melt‐mixing and precipitation. The MWNTs were either oxidized to incorporate oxygenated defects or utilized as received. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and the extent of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between MWNTs and PSVPh was quantified by infrared (IR). Our DMA results suggest that melt‐mixing leads to more stable morphologies of the final nanocomposites than precipitation. Additionally, the IR analysis of the nanocomposites indicates melt‐mixing can result in the formation of more intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the MWNTs and PSVPh than precipitation, and thus suggests that melt‐mixing leads to more reproducible mechanical properties than precipitation. Our DMA and IR results may provide guidelines to realize the desired morphologies and to improve the properties of polymer carbon nanotube nanocomposites by optimizing intermolecular interactions between MWNTs and polymers using processing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1747–1759, 2008     

Synthesis of MnO2/MWNTs Nanocomposites Using a Sonochemical Method and Application for Hydrazine Detection

A sonochemical method has been successfully used to synthesize MnO₂/MWNTs nanocomposites. The structure and nature of the resulting MnO₂/MWNTs composite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction (EDX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).The results show that the sonochemically synthesized MnO₂ nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed on the modified MWNT surfaces. The performance of the MnO₂/MWNTs nanocomposites modified electrode was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Nyquist plots. The electrode exhibits efficient electron transfer ability and high electrochemical response towards hydrazine. This may be attributed to the small particle size, high dispersion of MnO₂ particles. The fabricated hydrazine sensor showed a wide linear range of 5.0×10^?7–1.0×10^?3 M with a response time less than 5 s and a detection limit of 0.2 μM. Taking the advantage of the unique properties of both MWNTs and MnO₂, it would greatly broaden the applications of MWNTs and MnO₂.     

Toughness enhancements in poly(methyl methacrylate) by addition of oriented multiwall carbon nanotubes

The mechanical properties of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were studied as a function of nanotube orientation, length, concentration, and type. Orientation and dispersion were assessed by electron microscopy. A processing parameter study revealed the robust nature of fabricating nanotube/PMMA nanocomposites. An optimal set of extrusion conditions was found for minimizing the aggregate size in single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWNT)/PMMA nanocomposites; this set was also used for the fabrication of the MWNT/PMMA composites. Good dispersion was achieved for MWNTs in PMMA at 0.1–10 wt % loading levels (with the best dispersions at the lower loading levels). The orientation of MWNTs in PMMA proved to be the only way to substantially toughen the nanocomposite. A level of 1 wt % MWNTs in PMMA (oriented nanocomposite) exhibited the largest increase in tensile toughness with a 170% improvement over oriented PMMA. Increases in the modulus and yield strength were not nearly as pronounced (and occurred only at the highest loading of MWNTs, which was 10 wt %) with increases of 38 and 25%, respectively. A failure mechanism was proposed in which orientation of the MWNTs (normal to the direction of craze propagation and crack development) enabled them to toughen the brittle PMMA by bridging cracks that developed (via craze precursors) during the tensile test. None of the nanotube/PMMA composites showed mechanical properties close to the values expected from simple rule of mixture and orientation considerations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2690–2702, 2004     

Synergistic flammability and thermal stability of polypropylene/aluminum trihydroxide/Fe‐montmorillonite nanocomposites

In the present study, polypropylene/aluminium trihydroxide/Fe‐montmorillonite (PP/ATH/Fe‐MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt‐intercalation method. This was been designed to determine whether the presence of structural iron in the matrix could enhance the thermal stability and flammability of nanocomposites. In order to prove the effect of Fe³⁺ in the structural silicate layers, samples of PP/ATH and PP/ATH/Na‐MMT (no Fe³⁺ in structural silicate layers) were prepared under the same conditions. Fe‐MMT and Na‐MMT were modified by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The nanocomposite structures were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was applied to test the thermal properties of nanocomposites. In addition, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of PP/ATH/Fe‐MMT nanocomposites was increased, and no dripping phenomenon was found through the UL‐94 vertical burning test. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influences of poly(lactic acid)‐grafted carbon nanotube on thermal,mechanical, and electrical properties of poly(lactic acid)

Poly(lactic acid)‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT‐g‐PLA) were prepared by the direct melt‐polycondensation of L ‐lactic acid with carboxylic acid‐functionalized MWNT (MWNT‐COOH) and then mixed with a commercially available neat PLA to prepare PLA/MWNT‐g‐PLA nanocomposites. Morphological, thermal, mechanical, and electrical characteristics of PLA/MWNT‐g‐PLA nanocomposites were investigated as a function of the MWNT content and compared with those of the neat PLA, PLA/MWNT, and PLA/MWNT‐COOH nanocomposites. It was identified from FE‐SEM images that PLA/MWNT‐g‐PLA nanocomposites exhibit good dispersion of MWNT‐g‐PLA in the PLA matrix, while PLA/MWNT and PLA/MWNT‐COOH nanocomposites display MWNT aggregates. As a result, initial moduli and tensile strengths of PLA/MWNT‐g‐PLA composites are much higher than those of neat PLA, PLA/MWNT, and PLA/MWNT‐COOH, which stems from the efficient reinforcing effect of MWNT‐g‐PLA in the PLA matrix. In addition, the crystallization rate of PLA/MWNT‐g‐PLA nanocomposites is faster than those of neat PLA, PLA/MWNT, and PLA/MWNT‐COOH, since MWNT‐g‐PLA dispersed in the PLA matrix serves efficiently as a nucleating agent. It is interesting that, unlike PLA/MWNT nanocomposites, surface resistivities of PLA/MWNT‐g‐PLA nanocomposites did not change noticeably depending on the MWNT content, demonstrating that MWNTs in PLA/MWNT‐g‐PLA are wrapped with the PLA chains of MWNT‐g‐PLA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation,structure, and property of polyoxymethylene/carbon nanotubes thermal conducive composites

Polyoxymethylene (POM)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) nanocomposites were prepared through a simple solution‐evaporation method assisted by ultrasonic irradiation. To enhance the dispersion of MWNTs in POM, MWNTs were chemically functionalized with PEG‐substituted amine (MWNT‐g‐PEG), which exhibited strong affinity with POM due to their similar molecular structure. The thermal conductivity and the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated, which showed that the thermal conductive properties of POM were improved remarkably in the presence of MWNTs, whereas reduced by using MWNT‐g‐PEG due to the heat transport barrier of the grafted‐PEG‐substituted amine chain. A nonlinear increase of the thermal conductivity was observed with increasing MWNTs content, and the Maxwell‐Eucken model and the Agari model were used for theoretical evaluation. The relatively high effective length factor of the composite predicted with mixture equation indicated that there were few entangles of MWNTs for the samples of MWNT‐g‐PEG in the composites. The mechanical strength of the composites can be improved remarkably by using suitable content of such functionalized MWNTs, and with the increase of the aliphatic chain length of PEG‐substituted amine, the toughness of the composites can be enhanced. Transmission electron microscope result indicated that MWNT‐g‐PEG exhibited strong affinity with POM and a good dispersion of MWNTs was achieved in POM matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 905–912, 2010     

Nanocomposites derived from in situ grafting of linear and hyperbranched poly(ether‐ketone)s containing flexible oxyethylene spacers onto the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Linear and hyperbranched poly(ether‐ketone)s (PEKs) containing flexible oxyethylene spacers grafted multiwalled carbon nanotube (PEK‐g‐MWNT) nanocomposites were prepared by direct Friedel‐Crafts acylation as the polymer forming and grafting reaction. To achieve the composites, in situ polycondensations of AB monomers 3‐(2‐phenoxyethoxy)benzoic acid (3‐PEBA) and 4‐(2‐phenoxyethoxy)benzoic acid (4‐PEBA), and AB₂ monomer 3,5‐bis(2‐phenoxyethoxy)benzoic acid (3,5‐BPEBA) were carried out in the presence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The reaction conditions, polyphosphoric acid (PPA) with additional phosphorous phentoxide (P₂O₅) in the temperature range of 110–120 °C, were previously optimized. The conditions were used as the polymerization and grafting medium that were indeed benign not to damage MWNTs but strong enough to promote the covalent attachment of PEKs onto the surface of the electron‐deficient MWNTs. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy studies, the polymers were uniformly grafted onto the MWNTs. The resultant nanocomposites are soluble in most strong acids such as trifluoroacetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, and sulfuric acid. Both isothermal and dynamic TGA studies in air showed that nanocomposites displayed improved thermo‐oxidative stability when compared with those of corresponding PEK homopolymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3471–3481, 2008     

Impedance DNA Biosensor Using Electropolymerized Polypyrrole/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Electrode

In this paper, we present an electrochemical impedance‐based DNA biosensor by using a composite material of polypyrrole (PPy) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to modify glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The polymer film was electropolymerized onto GCE by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in the presence of carboxylic groups ended MWNTs (MWNTs‐COOH). Such electrode modification method is new for DNA hybridization sensor. Amino group ended single‐stranded DNA (NH₂‐ssDNA) probe was linked onto the PPy/MWNTs‐COOH/GCE by using EDAC, a widely used water‐soluble carbodiimide for crosslinking amine and carboxylic acid group. The hybridization reaction of this ssDNA/PPy/MWNTs‐COOH/GCE resulted in a decreased impedance, which was attributed to the lower electronic transfer resistance of double‐stranded DNA than single‐stranded DNA. As the result of the PPy/MWNTs modification, the electrode obtained a good electronic transfer property and a large specific surface area. Consequently, the sensitivity and selectivity of this sensor for biosensing DNA hybridization were improved. Complementary DNA sequence as low as 5.0×10^?12 mol L^?1 can be detected without using hybridization marker or intercalator. Additionally, it was found that the electropolymerization scan rate was an important factor for DNA biosensor fabrication. It has been optimized at 20 mV s^?1.     

Effect of interaction between poly(ethylene terephthalate) and carbon nanotubes on the morphology and properties of their nanocomposites

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites were prepared by melt‐extruding mixtures of PET and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with some interaction with PET molecules. For the functionalization of MWNTs, benzyl isocyanate and phenyl isocyanate with different molecular flexibility were employed on the surface of the MWNTs via chemical modification, respectively. The reaction for functionalization of MWNTs was confirmed by FTIR and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. TEM observations indicated that both benzyl and phenyl isocyanate groups covered the surface of the MWNTs after functionalization. The PET nanocomposites containing isocyanate groups showed improved mechanical properties, including the tensile strength and tensile modulus, compared with those with pristine and acid‐treated nanotubes. These improvements were ascribed to π–π interactions between the aromatic rings of PET molecules and the isocyanate group in MWNTs. The functionalized MWNTs showed a better dispersion of carbon nanotubes in the matrix polymer and a different fractured cross‐section morphology in scanning electron microscope measurements relative to the pristine MWNTs. The crystallinity of the functionalized MWNT‐PET nanocomposites was significantly higher than that of the pristine and acid‐treated MWNTs. FTIR results indicated that the presence of carbon nanotubes induced trans‐conformation of PET chains, and trans conformation was particularly dominant in PET composites incorporating MWNT‐phenyl. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 900–910, 2008     

Development of core‐shell structure aided by SiC‐coated MWNT in ABS/LCP blend

Agglomeration is an issue of major concern for unmodified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)‐aided polymeric composites. To overcome the above‐mentioned problem, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are modified by polycarbosilane (PCS)‐derived Silicone carbide (SiC). Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)/Liquid Crystalline polymer (LCP)/MWCNT nanocomposites are prepared through melt blending in a twin screw extruder. X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) studies authenticate the creation of ß‐SiC particles. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies reveal the formation of core–shell morphology involving MWNT as the core and SiC‐coated MWNT as the shell. The degree of dispersion of MWNT is far better when it has been coated with SiC. As viewed from Thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA), the thermal stability is substantially increased in SiC‐aided nanocomposite in comparison to ABS/LCP/unmodified CNT blend. Glass transition temperature as well as mechanical properties are improved significantly (in the presence of SiC‐coated MWNT) as a result of homogeneous dispersion exhibited by MWNT. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline‐multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate

Polyaniline‐carboxylic acid functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotube (PAni/c‐MWNT) nanocomposites were prepared in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) emulsion. First, the c‐MWNTs were dispersed in SDS emulsion then the aniline was polymerized by the addition of ammonium persulfate in the absence of any added acid. SDS forms the functionalized counterion in the resulting nanocomposites. The content of c‐MWNTs in the nanocomposites varied from 0 to 20 wt%. A uniform coating of PAni was observed on the c‐MWNTs by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The PAni/c‐MWNT nanocomposites have been characterized by different spectroscopic methods such as UV‐Visible, FT‐Raman, and FT‐IR. The UV‐Visible spectra of the PAni/c‐MWNT nanocomposites exhibited an additional band at around 460 nm, which implies the induced doping of the MWNTs by the carboxyl group. The FT‐IR spectra of the PAni/c‐MWNT nanocomposites showed an inverse intensity ratio of the bands at 1562 and 1480 cm^?1 as compared to that of pure PAni, which reveals that the PAni in the nanocomposites is richer in quinoid units than the pure PAni. The increase in the thermal stability of conductivity of the nanocomposites was due to the network structure of nanotubes and the charge transfer between the quinoid rings of the PAni and the c‐MWNTs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Self-assembly of bilayer lipid membrane at multiwalled carbon nanotubes towards the development of photo-switched functional device

Bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) was self-assembled on a uniquely fabricated hydrophilic surface, containing N atoms from the carbon source of ethylene amine, of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to form the BLM/MWNTs nanocomposites. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and photoelectric experiments were taken to study the properties of the BLM/MWNTs nanocomposites. The thickness of the BLM, which was calculated from the CV data obtained at BLM/MWNTs electrode, turned out to be 4.38 nm, suggesting that the lipid self-assembled at the nanotubes surface was consistent with a bilayer structure. C₆₀-incorporated BLM could also be self-assembled at the nanotubes surface (C₆₀-BLM/MWNTs). The formation of BLM on the MWNTs surface blocked the diffusion of [Fe(CN)₆]^3/4− redox ions across BLM to the MWNTs electrode as no redox current was observed by CV measurement, whereas the incorporation of the electron mediator, C_60, resumed a pair of redox peaks at C₆₀-BLMs/MWNTs electrode. Moreover, the incorporation of C₆₀ led to a four order of magnitude reduction of the resistance of C₆₀-BLM/MWNTs (369.3 Ω) than that of BLM/MWNTs (3.238 × 10⁶ Ω). MWNTs electrode exhibited an intrinsic cathodic photocurrent (166 μA cm⁻²) while BLM/MWNTs electrode blocked photocurrent response of the MWNTs. Interestingly, C₆₀-BLM/MWNTs electrode resumed partial photoelectric properties (photo current: 65 μA cm⁻²) due to the electron mediation effect of C₆₀ incorporated into the lipid membrane. As a result, the novel self-assembled BLM/MWNTs nanocomposites provided a simple yet useful model to study the C₆₀-mediated photoelectric properties of the BLM/MWNTs which may be applicable to develop new biosensors and molecular devices.     

熔融插层法制备LLDPE/MgAl-LDH 剥离型纳米复合材料及其热性能研究

The interlayer surface of MgAl layered double hydroxide （MgAl-LDH） was modified by exchanging about half of the interlayer nitrate anions by dodecyl sulfate anions （DS） to get MgAl（H-DS） LDH, and then the MgAl（H-DS） was melt intercalated by LLDPE to get the LLDPE/MgAl-LDH exfoliation nanocomposites. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared （PTIR） spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, ion chromatography, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, and thermogravimetry analysis （TGA）. The nanoscale dispersion of MgAl-LDH layers in the LLDPE matrix was verified by the disappearance of （001） XRD reflection of the modified MgAl-LDH and by the TEM observation. The TGA profiles of LLDPE/MgAl-LDH nanocomposites show a faster charring process between 210 and 370 ℃ and a higher thermal stability above 370 ℃than LLDPE. The decomposition temperature of the nanocomposites with 10 wt% MgAl（H-DS） can be 42 ℃ higher than that of LLDPE at 40% weight loss.     

功能化离子液体修饰多壁碳纳米管固定化Candida antarctic lipase B

将带不同阴离子（Br^-、BF₄^-、PF₆^-、H₂PO₄^-）的咪唑离子液体修饰改性的多壁碳纳米管（MWNTs）作为一种全新的载体通过物理吸附法固定化褶皱假丝酵母脂肪酶B（CALB）,对其酶学性能进行测试。并通过透射电镜、拉曼光谱、热重分析、X射线光电子能谱对修饰前后的MWNTs进行表征,研究材料表面修饰对酶学性能的影响。研究结果表明,经过离子液体表面修饰后的MWNTs固定化CALB具有更高的比活力,耐受性（高温、高pH值）、热稳定性和重复使用性也得到进一步增强;离子液体中不同的阴离子对修饰MWNTs固定化酶的酶学性能有显著影响,其中以PF₆^-为阴离子的固定化酶比活力最高,比未修饰的MWNTs提高了5倍。固定化酶的动力学参数分析表明离子液体的引入增强了酶与底物之间的亲和力,从而增强了酶的活性。     

Influence of SEBS-g-MA on morphology, mechanical, and thermal properties of PA6/PP/organoclay nanocomposites

Polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP = 70/30 parts) blends containing 4 phr (parts per hundred resin) of organically modified clay (organoclay) toughened with maleated styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS-g-MA) were prepared by melt compounding using co-rotating twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the structure of the nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were determined by tensile, flexural, and notched Izod impact tests. The single edge notch three point bending test was used to evaluate the fracture toughness of SEBS-g-MA toughened PA6/PP nanocomposites. Thermal properties were studied by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). XRD and TEM results indicated the formation of the exfoliated structure for the PA6/PP/organoclay nanocomposites with and without SEBS-g-MA. With the exception of stiffness and strength, the addition of SEBS-g-MA into the PA6/PP/organoclay nanocomposites increased ductility, impact strength and fracture toughness. The elongation at break and fracture toughness of PA6/PP blends and nanocomposites were increased with increasing the testing speed, whereas tensile strength was decreased. The increase in ductility and fracture toughness at high testing speed could be attributed to the thermal blunting mechanism in front of crack tip. DSC results revealed that the presence of SEBS-g-MA had negligible effect on the melting and crystallization behavior of the PA6/PP/organoclay nanocomposites. TGA results showed that the incorporation of SEBS-g-MA increased the thermal stability of the nanocomposite.     

The impact of resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) and poly(phenylene ether) on flame retardancy of PC/PBT blends

Flame retardancy of bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) blends was improved by the addition of resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP) and poly(phenylene ether) (PPO). A PC/PBT blend at 70/30 weight ratio obtained a V‐0 rating by the addition of 10 wt% RDP and 10 wt% PPO. The combination of 5 wt% methyl methacrylate‐butadiene‐styrene tercopolymer (MBS) with 3 wt% ethylene‐butylacrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate tercopolymer (PTW) causes a remarkable increase in toughness of the PC/PBT/RDP blend while maintaining a high rigidity. A detailed investigation of the flame‐retardant action of PC/PBT/RDP and PC/PBT/RDP/PPO blends was performed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), TGA‐FTIR, temperature‐programmed pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TPPy/GC/MS), and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS). The results demonstrate that RDP induces a higher char yield at ca. 450 °C and synchronously increases the thermal stability of the blend with PPO. The flame‐retardant role of RDP in the condensed phase was discerned from TGA, FTIR, and SEM/EDS of the residues. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.